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3. Agriculture 2011
The International catalogue for Advanced
Agricultural Technology
Development of onion harvesting machinery
p-6 I. Sagi , Y. Kashti , F. Geoola , Y. Grinshpon , L.
Rozenfeld , A. Levi , R. Brikman1, O. Mishli , E.
Margalit
Ocean Transport of the Easter Lily (Lilium
Longiflorum): Defining the harvesting stage and
treating the plant with gibberellins in order to
p-10 minimize premature aging of leaves
Shimon Meir , Shoshana Salim , Batina Kochank ,
Tamar Tzedaka , Tamar Lahav and Sonia Philosof-
Hadas
Grafting for the use of root systems as biological
filters to prevent penetration of contaminants into
p-14 vegetable plants under irrigation with marginal
water
M. Edelstein and M. Ben-Hur
Sprouting inhibition of postharvest potatoes by
p-18 using environment friendly mint essential oil
Dani Eshel , Paula Teper-Bamnolker , Roi Amitay
and Harry Daniel
The New Generation of Drippers
p-26 Sagi Gidi, Metzerplas
Developing a high spatial and temporal resolution
database for meteorological-based agronomical
p-30 models
Offer Beeri & Shay Mey-tal/ Agam Advanced
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p-35 Company profiles
p-43 Company Detailes
For further information:
Editor:Nurit Levy
Production:Nobel Green Ltd. p.o.b 10062 Tel-Aviv
61100,Israel
Tel:972-3-5467485, fax:972-3-5467487
E-mail:nurit-l@zahav.net.il
printed in Israel, October 2010. cover photographer: rina nagila, kibbutz ortal

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6. Agriculture 2011
Development of Onion
I. Sagi1, Y. Kashti1, F. Geoola1,
Y. Grinshpon1, L. Rozenfeld1,
A. Levi1, R. Brikman1, O. Mishli2,
Harvesting Machinery
E. Margalit3
1. Institute of Agricultural
Engineering, ARO.
2. Kibbutz Yotvata
3. Agricultural Extension Services.
2 4
Fig. 1. The digger digs and prepares a fresh onion windrow for 5
Fig. 2. The harvester harvest dry onion and load a container.
curing.
The Institute of Agricultural Engineering, together with need for a packing house. Due to the lack of laborers
Kibbutz Yotvata, “Ardom Growth” and local agricultural in agricultural work, about 10 years ago, the Israeli
machinery manufacturers, including “Agromond Ltd.”, Ministry of Agriculture encouraged farmers to import
“Juran Ltd.”, “Green Arava Valley” and The Ilan Haruvi machinery for harvesting onions. A research team from
Workshop have developed a new set of machinery for the Institute of Agricultural Engineering was chosen to
onion harvesting and transporting. The new machinery be responsible for testing the machines and making the
includes a digger, a harvester and a container with a necessary modifications in order to adapt them to local
bottom rolled conveyor. onion growth conditions. The project was financed by
the chife scientist of the Ministry of Agriculturel. A set
of onion harvesting machinery was imported by Kibbutz
Introduction Yotveta in the Arava valley. The machinery included
In Israel, farmers grow onions all over the country - a mower for cutting the foliage before harvesting, a
from the Golan Heights to the “Arava” valley - over an digger for digging the onions and preparing a windrow
area of about 2,000 acres. Most of the growing fields on the ground for curing and a harvester for harvesting
are small. The overall yield is about 100,000 tons and the onions into a container driven along the side of the
all of it is sold on the local market. In the past, most harvester. The machinery was used to test the harvesting
of the farmers harvested their yields by hand, which of different onion species in various areas around the
required many workers. The workers harvested the country. In general, the test results were very poor. The
amount of onions required according to the daily market mower worked fine but the digger and the harvester
demand. The reasons for harvesting by hand were; high needed modifications of high cost in order to improve
mechanical damages caused by the machines and the the harvesting and to lower the rate of mechanical
6

7. Agriculture 2011
and dry onions. Therefore, it has the same digging
system as that of the digger. The harvester has two
conveyors. The first one is a round bar conveyor mounted
at a 15 degree slope in order to prevent back rolling of
the onions. Above the front of the conveyor there is a
rotor with 4 rubber wings to help the onions climb onto
it. The second conveyor is a loading conveyor with 3
segments for loading different height containers and for
folding them during road driving. The loading conveyor
is mounted perpendicular behind the first conveyor. The
top end of the conveyor can be adjusted during work
to the height level of the container bottom in order to
prevent mechanical damages. The harvester has an
automatic depth control system, a conveyor speed
8
measuring and adjusting system and a width balance
controller to keep the harvester parallel to the ground.
Fig. 3. A hook lift container with a rolling bottom conveyor loaded The harvester is drawn by an 80hp tractor on two
with onions.
wheels with an automatic return steering system. The
harvester has a self hydraulic system for operating the
damage to the onion. The main conclusion was that the conveyors and other components. The driver controls
imported machinery is not suitable for Israeli harvesting the harvester systems from the tractor cabin by an
conditions and there is a need to develop local onion electronic controller.
harvesting machinery. The Israeli onions are grown on The digger was constructed by “Agromond Ltd.” and
beds and harvested in two ways: 1. harvesting fresh the harvester was constructed by “Juran Ltd.”. To date 3
onions; 2. harvesting dry onions. The fresh onions are diggers and 1 harvester have been constructed and are
harvested at the beginning of the season in two stages. being operated by 4 Israeli onion growers.
After cutting the foliage, workers dig the onions by hand
and put them on the ground for curing. About 3 days after Farmers that have onion packing houses collect and
they are collected, the onions are placed in boxes and transport the onions in large hook lift containers. In
sent to the local markets. The dry onions are collected the packing house the container is lifted and unloaded
directly from the ground, placed into boxes and sent to into a big hoper. This method of unloading causes the
the markets. onions to fall and roll into the hoper from a high level,
get damaged and lose their peels. In order to prevent
unloading damages, a container with a bottom rolling
Development of harvesting machinery conveyor was designed and constructed in cooperation
According to the knowledge gained from the test results with “Green Arava Valley”, “Ardom Growth” and The Ilan
of the imported machinery and the study of the Israeli Haruvi Workshop (fig. 3).
onion growth and harvesting conditions, a prototype
digger and a harvester were designed and constructed. There is no need to lift the container for unloading in
The digger (fig. 1) has a square and round bar digging the packing house. The driver puts the back door of the
system, a round bar conveyor mounted on the machine container above the hoper, opens the back door and
with two inclinations (15 degrees forward and 25 degrees connects the electrical motor to the rolling conveyor
backwards), above the front of the conveyor there is a axle. From this moment the conveyors are rolled under
rotor with 4 rubber wings, a digging depth automatic control, the onions fall into the hoper from a low level
controller and a speed monitor to help the operator to and are not rolled. The system has been operated by
adjust the conveyor speed to the tractor speed. The two “Kibbutz Yotvata” and “Ardom Growth” for the past 2
inclines were designed to prevent onions from rolling at years. They reported that the amount of marketed onions
the front of the digger and to put them on the ground from has increased by 6% due to the reduction in mechanical
behind at a low level. The rotor rubber wings help the damages.
onions climb onto the conveyor. The digger is operated
by an 80hp field tractor using the 3 point linkage.
The harvester (fig. 2) was designed for harvesting fresh isagi@agri.gov.il
7

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10. Agriculture 2011
Sea Transport of Easter
Lily* cut Flowers:
Shimon Meir1*, Shoshana
Salim1*, Betina Kochanek1*,
Tamar Tzadka1*, Tamar Lahav2*
and Sonia Philosoph-Hadas1*
Determination of the
Optimal Harvest Stage
cut flowers before their florets start to open, when the
first floret reaches its maximum closed bud size. This
stage is also the recommended harvest stage when the
flowers are transported by air. The recommendations
for postharvest treatment developed in our laboratory
included pulsing with preservatives containing
8-hydroxyquinoline citrate and surfactants (TOG-4,
Merhav Agro Ltd., Ashdod, Israel), together with the
gibberellin GA3 at a concentration of 25 ppm to delay
leaf senescence and yellowing. We have shown that
the GA3 pulsing treatment was very effective also in
delaying leaf and flower senescence of various other lily
cultivars, such as Longiflorum x Asiatic hybrid ‘Shira’
and Lilium candidum L.
Figure 1: Definition of the opening and senescence stages of the The present study describes the development of sea
lily florets cv. ‘White Heaven’ from stage 1 = closed, green floret of transport conditions for shipping Easter lily cut flowers
7-9 cm length, through stage 8 = the senescence stage, in which cvs. ‘White Heaven’ and ‘Maggie Blanche’ bearing two
the petals turn transparent, wilted and tend to drop. Stage 5 was
defined as the opening stage, while stage 6 represents full opening. or multiple florets per stem, as compared to their air
The transition from stage 5 to 6 lasts only few hours. transport. The study was focused on determination of
the optimal harvest stage for the sea shipment.
Introduction Materials and Methods
Easter lily (Lilium Longiflorum) cut flowers are quite large Chemicals: TOG-6 containing organic chlorine, TOG-4
and heavy. Therefore, it is most important to reduce containing 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, the ‘Teabag’
their shipping costs by exporting them via sea freight formulation containing the gibberellin GA3 (all supplied
rather than by air transport. According to financial by Merhav Agro Ltd., Ashdod, Israel).
analyses, sea transport in comparison to air transport Pulsing treatments and shipment simulations: Lily
(marketing and freight) amounted to a savings of 17,000 flowers were harvested from the growers at various
IS per dunam, which is very significant for the growers. harvest stages (as detailed in Figures 1-4), sorted and
As such, reliable methods for shipping lilies by sea bound into 5-stem bunches, and then brought in cartons
transport should be developed. to the laboratory at the Volcani Center. Immediately upon
Flower auctions and dealers generally receive the lily their arrival, the flowering stems were pulsed for 4 h at
*(Lilium Longiflorum) 20°C and additional 16 h at 2°C with the recommended
10

11. Agriculture 2011
Figure 2: Effect of the harvest stage of multi-floret stems of Figure 3: Effect of the harvest stage of multi-floret stems of ‘Maggie
‘Maggie Blanche’ lily following air (A, B, C) or sea (D, E, F) transport Blanche’ lily on the diameter (A) and length (B) of florets 1-3 at full
simulations, on days to flower opening of florets 1 and 2 (A, D), days opening stage (stage 7) during vase life, following air transport
from flower opening to death of floret 2 (B, E), and on total vase simulation. The experiment was performed as detailed in Figure 2.
life duration determined when floret 2 reached senescence stage The results represent means of 5 replicates ± SE.
8 (C, F). Flowers were harvested when their first floret reached the
stages presented in Fig. 2G, and treated as described in Materials
and Methods. The results represent means of 5 replicates ± SE. The flowering stem, and their developmental stages until
red numbers in Fig. 2D indicate the difference in days to opening of senescence were followed-up during vase life. We have
florets 1 and 2 following sea and air transport. monitored the days to floret opening (stage 5 in Figure
1), and the days from floret opening to its senescence.
treatment comprised of 0.2% TOG-4 + 25 ppm GA3. The The flowering stem was discarded when the second
flowers were then packed into commercial cartons floret reached senescence stage 8, and the total vase
and stored for air transport (2-3 days at 6°C) or sea life duration was determined accordingly. The quality
transport (8 days at 2°C) simulations. After storage, parameters, including floret diameter and length, were
the flowers were placed in vases containing TOG-6 as monitored at full opening before senescence (stage 7 in
a preservative, and incubated in a controlled standard Figure 1).
observation room (20°C, 60-70% relative humidity and
12-h photoperiod) to determine their longevity following Results and Discussion
the transport simulations. The results of the experiments conducted with the
Determination of the harvest stage and floret quality ‘Maggie Blanche’ lily cultivar harvested at three different
parameters: The harvest stage was determined stages (Figure 2G), indicate that sea transport (Figure
according to the floret size as detailed in Figure 2G, and 2E) did not affect the number of days (6-7) during which
according to the turning of the floret bud color from the florets were open in the vase, in comparison to air
green to white (Figure 4G). Eight stages of development transport (Figure 2B). Hence, the shipment method had
and senescence of the floret in the vase were defined, no effect on the floret senescence rate after opening.
as presented in Figure 1 for the ‘White Heaven’ cultivar. The only difference between flowers transported either
The first, second and third florets were marked on the by air or by sea was obtained in the rate of opening of
11

12. Agriculture 2011
to flowers transported by air (Figure 2A). Similar results
were obtained in two additional experiments, performed
with ‘Maggie Blanche’ flowers harvested from another
grower, as well as with ‘White Heaven’ flowers bearing
two florets per stem (data not shown).
It should be noted that the floret size at full opening was
affected from the harvest stage following air transport
(Figure 3), and similar results were obtain also following
sea transport (data not shown). When flowers were
harvested with florets at stage 2 or 3, no difference was
obtained in their diameter. However, florets harvested at
stage 1 (even if it is the first floret), could not reach at full
opening the diameter (Figure 3A) or the length (Figure
3B) of florets harvested at stages 2 or 3. Similar results
were obtained also for the third floret in flowering stems
harvested with the first floret at stages 2 or 3, as the
size of the third floret in these flowers was smaller or
similar to the size of a floret in stage 1. It is important
to note that inclusion in the vase of the ‘cut flower
food’ solution, which contains sugar and bacteriocides,
resulted in a third floret with bigger size, similar to the
sizes of the first and second florets (data not shown).
Since the florets continue to grow during the sea
transport shipment, we have determined an additional
parameter to indicate the floret developmental stage at
harvest, which was based on the change in bud color
(Figure 4G), in addition to the bud length. To examine
Figure 4: Effect of the harvest stage of two-floret stems of ‘White this parameter, we have performed an experiment with
Heaven’ lily following air (A, B, C) or sea (D, E, F) transport ‘Maggie Blanche’ flowers harvested according to floret
simulations, on days to flower opening of florets 1 and 2 (A, D), days size and color. The results show that no difference was
from flower opening to death of floret 2 (B, E), and on total vase life obtained in the various quality parameters between
duration determined when floret 2 reached senescence stage 8 (C,
flowering stems transported by air (Figures 4A-4C) or by
F). Flowers were harvested when their first floret reached the stages
presented in Fig. 4G. The experiment was performed as detailed in sea (Figures 4D-4F), when harvested at stage 3 (Figure
Figure 2. The results represent means of 5 replicates ± SE. 4G).
The presented findings indicate that cut Easter lily
flowers can be shipped successfully by sea freight from
the first floret bud, which was shorter (by 1-1.5 days) Israel to The Netherland, without impairing their quality
following sea transport (Figure 2D) as compared with air as compared to air transport, provided that the flowers
transport (Figure 2A). Thus, the first floret, harvested at are harvested at the optimal harvest stage and a cooling
stages 3, 2 or 1, opened after 3, 5 or 8 days, respectively, chain at 2°C is maintained during the pathway. Therefore,
following air transport (Figure 2A), and after 1.5, 3.5 or the recommended harvest stage for sea transport of
7 days, respectively, following sea transport (Figure 2D). Easter lily is the stage of initial puffing of the first floret,
These results indicate that the floret bud continues to when it reaches a length of at least 11 cm and its color is
grow and to develop during the sea transport period, still green, or has only just begun to turn white.
even though it is kept at 2°C.
The total vase life duration monitored for flowering shimonm@volcani.agri.gov.il
stems harvested when the first floret was at stage 3,
was only one day shorter following sea transport (Figure 1*. Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, Agricultural
2F), as compared with flowers shipped by air (Figure 2C). Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, ISRAEL;
2*. Extension Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,
This difference stems from the shorter time (one day) ISRAEL
required for the opening of the second floret harvested at Contribution No. 593/10 from the ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan,
stage 3 and transported by sea (Figure 2D), as compared Israel.
12

13. The Optimal Solutions for Cut Flowers
.
Production and Technical advice:
agro@merhavagro.com
www.merhavagro.com

14. Agriculture 2011
Cucurbita Rootstocks M. Edelstein1 and M. Ben-Hur2
1.Department of Vegetable
Crops, Agricultural Research
as Biological Filters
Organization,
Newe Ya’ar Research Center,
P.O.Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095,
for Contaminants in
Israel
2. Institute of Soil, Water and
Environmental Sciences,
Agricultural Research
Vegetable Plants Grown
Organization,
Volcani Center, P.O.Box 6, Bet
Dagan 50250, Israel
under Irrigation with
Marginal Water
Fig. 1: Melon plant grafted onto pumpkin rootstock (left) and in the Fig 2: Microelement concentrations in fruits from grafted and
open field (right). non-grafted melon plants irrigated with secondary effluent water.
Vertical bars represent ± SE (unpublished data).
Introduction dS/m when the dominant ions are Na and Cl. Similarly in
A major part of the Mediterranean region is characterized effluents, the EC and pH values, and the concentrations
by water scarcity, with long dry summers and short wet of microelements such as heavy metals and B, and of
winters. To satisfy the demand for food and to combat nutrients and dissolved organic matter are, in general,
desertification in this region, marginal water sources, significantly higher than in fresh water. Long-term use
such as treated domestic sewage (effluent) and saline of these types of water for irrigation could increase the
water, are being increasingly used for irrigation (Ben- accumulation and concentrations of microelements and
Hur, 2004). Moreover, the pressure to avoid disposal of saline elements (Na, Ca, Mg, and Cl) in the soil (Ben-Hur,
nutrient-rich effluents into water bodies has contributed 2004; Feigin et al., 1991). Relatively high concentrations
to the rapid expansion of effluent reuse for irrigation of Na+, Cl- and microelements in the soil solution
(Halliwell et al., 2001). could be toxic to plants and to humans. Absorption of
The electrical conductivity (EC) of saline water is much these elements by the plants could affect their growth
higher than that of fresh water, and it may exceed 5 and yield, and increase the possibility of contaminants
14

15. Agriculture 2011
Fig 3: B concentration in xylem sap exudates from melon and Fig. 4: Growth performance, fruit yield and mean fruit weight of non-
cucurbita plants as a function of B content in the irrigation water. grafted (‘Tri-X 313’; NG) and grafted (onto TZ-148; G) watermelon
Vertical bars represent ± SE (unpublished data). irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS/m) (after Cohen et al.,
2007).
entering the food supply chain. the greenhouse. Grafted and non-grafted melon plants
were irrigated with fresh water (EC = 1.8 dS/m), saline
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned
water (EC = 4.6 dS/m) or secondary effluent enriched
about soil and water contamination and the use of
with B at up to 10 mg/L (Edelstein et al., 2005, 2007).
toxic chemicals on agricultural land, because of the
The B concentrations in old leaves of the non-grafted
possible adverse effects on environmental quality and
and grafted plants increased linearly and significantly
human health. This is particularly true for vegetables,
(R>0.96) with increasing B concentration in the
which are often regarded as a safe and nutritious food
fresh and saline and effluent irrigation waters; the B
source. Edelstein et al. (2005) suggested that grafted
concentrations in the leaves of the grafted plants were
plants (Fig. 1) could be used to prevent the entry of toxic
lower than in those of the non-grafted plants (Edelstein
microelements and saline elements into the food chain
et al., 2005). The lower B concentration in the organs of
via plants. The present paper reviews and discusses the
the grafted plants might be mainly due to differences in
possibility of using grafted vegetable plants to inhibit
the properties of the grafted vs. non-grafted plant’s root
penetration of saline and toxic elements into the plant
systems. B can be absorbed by the root cell symplast or
and fruit under arid and semiarid conditions.
loaded into the xylem by means of two main transport
mechanisms: passive diffusion through the lipid bilayer,
Microelements in plant tissues and passage through proteinaceous channels in the cell
The effects of plant grafting on microelement membrane (Dannel et al., 2002; Dordas et al., 2000).
concentrations in the fruit of melon plants under field Edelstein et al. (2005) suggested that the Cucurbita
conditions were studied in field plots with clay soil in an rootstock excludes some B and that this, in turn,
experimental station in Akko, northern Israel. The field decreases the B concentration in the grafted plants.
plots were irrigated with secondary effluent for 4 years, To determine the differences in selectivity of the root
and melon (Cucumis melo L., cv. Arava) (non-grafted systems of melon (cv. Arava) and pumpkin (TZ-148) to B
plant) and melon grafted onto pumpkin rootstock TZ-
absorption, their seedlings were planted in pots in the
148 (grafted plant) were grown in these plots. The
greenhouse, and irrigated with fresh water containing
concentrations of various microelements in the fruits of
various concentrations of B. Thirty days after planting,
the grafted and non-grafted melon plants are presented
and immediately after an irrigation event, stems 3 cm
in Fig. 2. In general, the concentrations of B, Zn, Sr,
Mn, Cu, Ti, Cr, Ni, and Cd were significantly lower in the above the surface of the growth medium were cut and
fruits of grafted vs. non-grafted plants. the xylem sap exudates collected. B concentration
was determined in each collected sap sample. The B
To determine the mechanisms responsible for the concentrations in the melon sap exudates were higher
lower microelement concentrations in the fruits of the than those in the pumpkin sap exudates (Fig. 3). Thus
grafted plants, detailed experiments were conducted in it was postulated that the pumpkin root system was
15

16. Agriculture 2011
Na+ in the leaves. The suggested mechanisms included
exclusion of Cl- and/or reduction of its absorption by the
roots, and replacement or substitution of total Na+ with
total K+ in the foliage.
The concentrations of Ca, Na, Mg, and Cl- in the leaves,
stem, and fruit tissues of a non-grafted melon (cv.
Arava) plant and melon grafted onto pumpkin rootstock
(TZ-148) grown in field plots in the experimental station
Table 1: Average concentrations of saline elements (g/kg, DW) in in Akko are presented in Table 1. These plants were
different organs of non-grafted and grafted plants irrigated with
effluent water ± SE (unpublished data).
irrigated with secondary effluent. The concentrations of
all saline elements except Mg in the stem and leaves
were higher in the non-grafted vs. grafted plants (Table
more selective and absorbed less B than of the melon 1). The largest difference between the non-grafted and
roots. The B-exclusion hypothesis is supported by other grafted plants was in their Na concentration, which
studies: Dannel et al. (1998, 2002) suggested that at was one order of magnitude lower in the grafted plant
low B concentrations, B uptake may be active, but at tissues than in the non-grafted ones.
high concentrations, there is evidence of B excretion or Edelstein et al. (2010) suggested two mechanisms that
exclusion. Dordas et al. (2000) indicated that B enters might explain the decrease in shoot Na concentration in
plant cells partly by passive diffusion through the lipid plants with pumpkin rootstocks: (i) Na exclusion by the
bilayer of the plasma membrane and partly through pumpkin roots, and (ii) Na retention and accumulation
proteinaceous channels. Dordas and Brown (2001) within the pumpkin rootstock. Quantitative analysis
examined B transport in squash plants, and suggested performed by Edelstein et al. (2010) indicated that the
pumpkin roots excluded ~74% of available Na, while
that both of these mechanisms were possible.
there was nearly no Na exclusion by melon roots. Na
retention by the pumpkin rootstocks decreased its
Saline elements in the plant tissues amount in the shoot by an average 46.9% compared
to uniform Na distribution throughout the plant. In
The effects of grafting watermelon (‘Tri-X 313’) onto the contrast, no retention of Na was found in plants grafted
commercial Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata on melons.
rootstock TZ-148 on growth and yields of plants irrigated
with saline water (EC 4.5 dS/m) in disease-free soil
Conclusions
in experimental field plots in an arid zone in southern
Israel are shown in Fig. 4. Vegetative growth, fruit yield Intensive agriculture has increased the use of toxic
and fruit sizes of the grafted plants were higher than chemicals on cultivated lands. In addition, to satisfy the
demand for food in arid and semiarid regions, the use
those of the non-grafted plants (Fig. 4). The differences
of marginal water sources, such as treated domestic
in yield parameters were probably due to the higher
sewage (effluent) and saline water, for irrigation is on the
salt tolerance of the grafted vs. non-grafted plants or to
rise. These can enhance soil and water contamination,
higher excretion or exclusion of saline ions by the root and the possibility of toxic microelements and saline
system of the grafted plants. elements entering into the food supply chain via plants.
Fernandez-Garcia et al. (2003) showed that under From laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments,
saline conditions (60 mM NaCl), Cl- and Na+ uptake it can be concluded that grafting of vegetable plants
by grafted tomato plants is significantly lower than can be used as a technique to prevent the entry of
that by non-grafted plants, indicating that the former toxic microelements and saline elements into the food
exhibit higher selectivity toward saline absorption than chain.
the latter. Likewise, Romero et al. (1997) found that the
effects of salinity on two varieties of melon grafted onto References
three hybrids of squash were less severe than those on
References are available at the corresponding author
non-grafted melons, suggesting that the grafted plants
develop various mechanisms to prevent the physiological
damage caused by excessive accumulation of Cl- and medelst@volcani.agri.gov.il
16

18. Agriculture 2011
Sprouting Inhibition of
Postharvest Potatoes
by using Environment
Dani Eshel1, Paula Teper-Bam-
nolker1, Roi Amitay2 and Harry
Daniel2
1. Department of Postharvest
Friendly Mint Essential Oil
Science, The Volcani Center, Bet
Dagan 50250, Israel.
2. Agro-Dan 2008 Ltd, Israel.
Introduction: The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the
highest gross value crop in Israel and the world’s largest
food crop in terms of fresh produce after rice and wheat.
Postharvest potatoes suffer from undesirable sprouting
during storage leading to alterations in weight, turgidity,
and texture. Tuber sprouting during storage is caused
by the cessation of natural dormancy of the tuber. Cold
temperature storage (2-4°C) delays sprout development
but does not delay unacceptable tissue sweetening.
Fig. 1: Effect of monthly application of mint essential oil (MEO) on
Successful long-term storage of potatoes for market,
potato tubers from cultivar Belini, stored for 9 months at 10°C. processing or seed-tubers necessitates using a sprout
control agent in combination with proper management
of storage conditions. Chlorpropham (isopropyl N-[3-
chlorophenyl] carbamate; CIPC) is the most effective
post-harvest sprout inhibitor registered for use in potato
storage, used successfully as a sprout inhibitor for more
than 40 years. It is a mitotic inhibitor that inhibits sprout
development by interfering with cell division and is
effective in long-term sprout control. There have been
reports of residue levels in processed potato products
and both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and the ”Advisory Committee on Pesticides (APC) in the
UK put new limits on total CIPC application and residue.
Random sampling has shown that there is potential
to exceed the maximum residue limit, even when
applications have been made according to best practice
(http://www.pro-potato.com). For seed-tuber growers,
CIPC residues are problematic in cases where it would
be desirable to rapidly break tuber dormancy. Also,
Fig. 2: Effect of mint essential oil (MEO) thermal fogging on potato potato seed-tubers cannot be treated or stored in CIPC
sprouting in storage. Tubers from eight cultivars were stored for storage facilities, because of the long term negative
6 months. All tubers were stored at 8°C and 95% humidity and
were thermally fogged monthly with MEO at 100 ml t-1 in the first effect on field germination. Alternatives to CIPC are also
application and 30 ml t-1 monthly in subsequent applications. needed for both the organic and export markets where
Dashed line represents the level above which potatoes are no CIPC is not permitted or residue level is limited. Due
longer marketable. Error bars represent SE. to increased concern for consumer health and safety,
18

19. Agriculture 2011
Fig. 3: Semi-commercial application of mint essential oil on stored potato tubers.
there is considerable interest in finding effective potato Bamnolker et al. 2010). Experiments were conducted on
sprout suppressants that have negligible environmental 8 potato cultivars that differ in their length of dormancy
impact. Previous research has concentrated on such (Fig. 2). Tubers were treated with MEO using an applicator
compounds as ethylene, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, that creates a thermal fog circulated by the ventilation
volatile monoterpenes, aromatic aldehydes and system. Monthly thermal fogging with MEO inhibited
alcohols. To date, only one monoterpene, (S)-(+)- sprouting for 9 months in all treated cultivars. Purified
carvone (S-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexenone), R-carvone produced the same effect. Treatment with
a chemical produced from caraway (Carum carvi) seeds MEO reduced weight loss during storage by up to 4% and
and described as a volatile sprout suppressant more reduced softening; both these changes were associated
than 30 years ago, has been developed commercially. with sprouting inhibition. Thermal fogging of potato
Higher production and application costs compared tubers with MEO resulted in highly efficient penetration
to such traditional sprout suppressants as CIPC have to bulk of commercial Dolev containers (Fig. 3). Cooking
limited its use primarily in the Netherlands. of treated potatoes showed no taste, color or texture
Research objectives are to develop an alternative, changes.
environmental friendly, method for sprout suppression Conclusions and recommendations for MEO application:
in order to (1) inhibit potato sprouting during storage Since mint oil was found as an efficient way for sprout
and shelf life; (2) maintain tuber quality parameters; (3) inhibition of potato tubers under semi commercial
delay diseases of potato tubers during storage, and (4) storage conditions, we should consider a controlled
regulate sprouting in potato seeds. translocation to commercial storage rooms. Mint
Methods: We tested the efficiency of mint essential esential oil way action is reversible and can be tested to
oil (MEO, Biox-M®, Xeda International, Saint Andiol, control sprouting of potato tuber seeds.
France) on the sprout inhibition of eight potato cultivars Literature
that are commonly grown in Israel and differ in their Eshel, D., J. Orenstein, M. Hazanovsky, and L. Tsror. 2008.
length of dormancy. Tubers were treated in the lab and Control of sprouting and tuber-borne diseases of stored
semi commercial scale by monthly thermal fogging potato by environment-friendly method. Acta Hort 830:363-
(Electro-fogger, Xeda International). Treated tubers 368.
were analyzed for preserving their quality parameters, Orenstein, J., M. Michaeli, and D. Eshel. 2008. Sprouting
retard in potatoes, whilst quality assurence during sorage, by
such as weight, turgidity, texture and taste. The effect
using mint oil. Gan Vayerek (in hebrew) 5:59-62.
of MEO was analyzed by microscopic and biochemical Teper-Bamnolker, P., N. Dudai, R. Fischer, E. Belausov, H.
means. Zemach, O. Shoseyov, and D. Eshel. 2010. Mint essential oil
Results: A scalable method to inhibit potato tuber can induce or inhibit potato sprouting by differential alteration
sprouting by fogging with a raw material extracted from of apical meristem. Planta 232:179-186.
natural spearmint oil (70% R-carvone) was developed
(Fig. 1) (Eshel et al. 2008, Orenstein et al. 2008, Teper- dani@agri.gov.il
19

21. Computerized
Control Systems
for improving
your Crops
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22. Agriculture 2011
Antonella – A new Tomato
On-The-Vine Dr. Alon Haberfeld,
Marketing Manager,
Hazera Genetics
Tomatoes on-the-vine, also known as cluster tomatoes, Europe in the summer. Recently, the production of
are not new to tomato consumers worldwide. They have tomatoes on-the-vine spread to Turkey and North
been there since the first introduction of a cluster variety Africa for consumption in Europe, and to Mexico for
by Hazera Genetics in 1986 in Italy. This innovative product consumption in USA. As mentioned, Hazera Genetics
controlled the Italian tomato market for several years, was the first seed company to launch a cluster tomato
and is still marketed in some parts of Europe, mainly for variety in Italy over 20 years ago, and is since continuing to
the hobby sector. However, until recently tomatoes on- develop cluster tomato varieties for production in Spain,
the-vine were niche products, consumed only by a very Italy, Turkey, France and Israel. This project is carried
small portion of the population that was willing to pay out by a team of researchers from Hazera Genetics and
its price. Nevertheless, the improved flavor of cluster in part is done in collaboration with researchers from
tomatoes and the sense of freshness that is associated the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
with the aroma of the green spine, gradually gained Antonella is one of the varieties derived from the
them market share. Farmers also came to like on-the- abovementioned collaboration. It was developed
vine tomatoes since the amount of labor required for for the Italian market and tested in all on-the-vine
their production is much lower compared to other crops producing areas. Antonalla has a medium size fruit
and the price is usually higher. At present, about 50% with excellent quality and a very elegant fishbone like
of fresh tomatoes consumed in Europe are purchased cluster arrangement. The fruit has a very shiny red color
on-the-vine. Other markets for on-the-vine tomatoes and extremely long shelf life. In addition, Antonella has
include USA, Australia, Canada and more. a very good heat setting ability that makes it a perfect
Cluster tomatoes are produced in southern Europe candidate for production in hot conditions, such as the
mainly in the winter and in glasshouses in northern Israeli summer. When all other tomato varieties yield
22

23. Agriculture 2011
To promote Antonella among Israeli consumers who
are not used to buying tomatoes on-the-vine, Hazera
Genetics has joined one of Israel’s leading retailers in
a joint launching effort. The variety was promoted and
sold under Hazera’s Antonella brand. All products were
clearly marked with the Antonella logo and offered to
consumers in stores in most regions of Israel during the
summer- autumn months (August- September). Due to
the successful launch Antonella is expected to triple its
market share in the next production season.
Hazera Genetics is one of the world’s leading companies
in the field of breeding, production and marketing of
hybrid seeds for vegetables and field crops, specializing in
advanced bio-technological research and development,
worldwide distribution and agro-technical support. The
company, established seven decades ago, is constantly
developing new products that address market demands,
low quality, soft and pale fruit, Antonella fruits have including improved health and nutritional benefits,
excellent color and firmness. And they can maintain this quality, especially high yields, year round availability,
high quality at room temperature for up to one week post resistance to diseases and longer shelf life.
harvest. In the past summer season, about 100 hectares
of Antonalla were produced in southern Israel. hag@hazera.com
Agriculture and lndustry (1995)
TOTZA’AH Business Enterprise and Development
Duchifat 5 ,Kfar-Saba, 44246 ● Tel: 972-9-7676277, 050-5238227 Fax: 972-9-7676278 ● tozza@netvision.net.il
23

25. Mapal Products speak for themselves
For indoors and outdoors, Mapal’s growing technology provides long life solutions for the
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Mapal’s innovative designs allow for recollection and/or recycling of drainage.
Mapal Plastics Agricultural Products
Tel: +972-4-6764784/554
mapal@mapalplastics.com
http://www.mapalplastics.com/agr.html

26. Agriculture 2011
The New Generation of
Dr. Gidi Sagi
Drippers
Drip irrigation is the most efficient and water saving for irrigation, have necessitated the development of a
irrigation method. It has become the most popular new generation of drippers.
and the leading irrigation method used in intensive The R&D demands characteristic of the new generation
agriculture during the past three decades. of drippers were quite challenging:
However, the extensive use of more sophisticated Small flat PC dripper – a dripper with a large variety
irrigation methods, such as very low dripper flow-rate, of lateral diameters and wall thicknesses, for versatile
pulse irrigation and SDI (Subsurface Drip Irrigation) irrigation design and a cost effective product.
along with the global tendency for the increased use of Clogging resistant dripper: a dripper with a large inlet
low quality, marginal water and reclaimed effluent water filter, wide water passages with no narrow orifices and a
26

27. Agriculture 2011
area and enables water to enter the dripper through one
of the many active inlets (Figure 2). The size of the active
inlet filter is very important for dripper block resistance.
Studies have shown that most of the drippers’ clogs are
found on the inlet filter and that the active area size has
a major impact on dripper clog resistance.
The Assif dripper is an anti -siphon PC dripper designed
Figure 2: A very large inlet filter mainly for SDI. The anti-siphon mechanism prevents
of the Vardit dripper.
the suction of surrounding water and dirt into the
dripper, at the end of the irrigation cycle, when the drip-
line is drained and vacuum pressure conditions develop
on some areas along the lateral. The Assif dripper is
7 8
produced with the Rootguard ™ version for reliable root
protection in SDI.
Figure 3: Partial clogging of the
inlet filter of the Inbar dripper, The Inbar dripper is an ND (Non-Drain) and AS flat PC
when using effluent water, still dripper that keeps the lateral filled with water between
enables the nominal dripper the irrigation cycles. In a regular drip-line, the lateral is
flow-rate.
Figure 1: The Inbar drippers not filled with water at all times and the first drippers
appear to be almost identical start to irrigate prior to the adjacent ones. In long
from the outside.
laterals, the time required for a complete filling and
for pressure to be built up can take more than several
turbulent, high velocity flow pattern to prevent particles minutes. Pulse irrigation, characterized by many short
from settling in the dripper. irrigation cycles during the day, increases the difference
Non-drain dripper: a dripper that keeps the lateral filled in the watering level of each dripper along the drip-line.
with water between irrigation cycles, for immediate In a ND drip-line, all of the drippers along the lateral
watering from all drippers along the drip-line with each start watering at the same time for better and uniform
irrigation cycle. water distribution.
Anti-siphon dripper: a dripper that shuts down The revision of the features of both the ND and the AS
simultaneously with the drop of pressure in the lateral drippers has included a slight reduction in the size of the
at the end of the irrigation cycle, to prevent air and water inlet filter of the Assif and Inbar models in comparison to
suction through the dripper outlet and the penetration the Vardit dripper, but the active inlet filter has remained
of sand and soil into the dripper - mainly for SDI. quite large to ensure free water passage into the dripper,
Rootguard ™ dripper: a dripper that contains impregnated for all water quality levels. Field trials conducted with
chemicals which prevent root intrusion into the dripper Inbar drippers, using secondary treated effluent water
in SDI, eliminating the need for any other treatment for without additional chemical treatment (chlorination or
many years. acidification), have been studied during the past three
The new Inbar dripper collection was developed by years. The results indicate that the drippers maintain
Metzerplas to meet the challenges of the new generation their nominal flow rate, but the inlet filter shows partial
clogging (Figure 3). The inlet filter is large enough and
of drippers. The group includes three drippers, which
contains several active holes, each of them capable of
seem almost identical from the outside (Figure 1), but
supplying the entire dripper flow-rate, to ensure clog
are distinguished by unique designs to accomplish
resistance.
special individual features.
The Vardit dripper is a small, flat PC dripper with a very
large inlet filter that covers most of the dripper surface gsagi@zahav.net.il
27

30. Agriculture 2011
Developing a High
Spatial and Temporal
Resolution Database for Dr. Offer Beeri and Shay Mey-tal
Meteorological Based
Agronomical Models
money on soil/plant sensing and sampling. The main
goal of this project was to replace this method of hand
sampling with a computer-based system. To achieve
this goal, satellite imagery was integrated with climate
dataset in a geographic information system (GIS),
allowing for the collection of the data and the processing
of daily reports for field crops in the project.
5
Scientific background:
The main method to determine the amounts of water
during any crop irrigation is calculating the potential
Figure 1. Noon-time temperature, 28-March-2009, as captured by ET, multiplied by crop coefficients that are based on
climate stations network (A) and satellite imagery (B). crop growing models. These variables are calculated
from weather stations and known experimental data to
Local meteorology is an important part of agriculture represent the day-to-day changes. Yet, as the spatial
crop monitoring as correct management incorporates distribution is greater than the average field size, local
crop growth and growth rate with weather data in order differences are not recognizable. Numerous researchers
to determine irrigation amounts and timing. The most have attempted to resolve this issue by integrating
important climate data for this monitoring are growing remote imagery. These projects have illustrated that as
degree-days (GDD) and evapo-transpiration (ET), where crops become dryer and require more water, the greater
the former represents the accumulated temperature re- the difference between crop and air temperatures
quired for crop growth, and the latter characterizes the (Moran, 1994). To ensure that crop growth stages do
loss of water to the atmosphere. Both are necessary to not affect this model, the vegetation temperature is
ensure that the supplied water amounts are calculated normalized by the vegetation vigor, both mapped by
based on the current growth rate and the loss of water. satellite imagery. This index represents the vegetation
Most farmers are dependent upon climate stations resistance to transpiration (Nemani and Running, 1989)
located 30-50 km (20-30 miles) from each other (Figure with higher values indicating water-stress. Integration
1A). With local changes in topography, soil and drainage, of this method will allow for the mapping of differences
the huge spatial variability between each pair of stations between neighboring crop fields, as well as inside
does not allow for effective monitoring of local crop any plot, and agriculture growth models that use crop
fields (Figure 1B). coefficients for monitoring will enable updated irrigation
As a result, farmers invest large amounts of time and amounts for each field.
30

31. Agriculture 2011
In order to test the possibility of using satellite imagery
for day-to-day irrigation decision making, the suggested
GIS module combines data from satellite imagery
and local weather stations. The Moderate Resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is used with its Red
and Near-Infrared 250-m pixel and surface temperature
1000-m products. The latter is scaled-down to 250-m
(Hassen et al 2007). Weather stations are used for
calibration while the other weather station is utilized
for verification. The spatial variability of the GIS product
is tested on cotton and tomatoe crops and in natural
forests.
The research goals were (2009 season):
1. To test the variability among temperature calculated
from weather stations and mapped by temperature
integrating surface temperature imagery, Red and
Near-Infrared images and weather station data.
2. To test the variability among GDD calculated by
weather stations and GDD mapped by surface
temperature imagery.
NDVI (biomass index) used in Minimum air temperatures
3. To build a GIS module for agriculture monitoring by
our model to improve spatial in Celsius, calculated by
satellite imagery and weather stations. resolution from 100Ha/pixel to the weather station (2m)
approximately 5Ha/pixel. It can calibrating model. Daily
The research results were: also be used to monitor crop average temperatures and GDD
growth rate. can be calculated based on
Remote sensing temperature (Surface), was well minimum and maximum (same
correlated to temperatures calculated from weather calibration model) temperature
stations (Air at 2m). data.
We found variability of GDD between growing fields based
on GDD mapped by surface temperature imagery.
We have built remote sensing and GIS models for References
agriculture monitoring by satellite imagery and weather Allen, R. Pereira, LS. Smith, M. Raes, D. and Wright, JL.
stations. (2005), FAO-56 Dual crop coefficient method for estimating
evaporation from soil and application extension, Journal of
Summary: Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 131, 1-12
We have built a low cost remote sensing model enabling Hassan QK. Bourque CPA. Meng F. and Richards W. (2007),
precise field-scale irrigation amount and timing Spatial mapping of growing degree days: an application of
calculation. MODIS-based surface temperatures and enhanced vegetation
This model can be used to improve and make other index, Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 1, 1-12 (DOI:
agricultural models more precise, such as 10.1117/1.2740040)
insect growth models (IPM), harvest Moran MS (1994) Irrigation management in Arizona using
timing etc…anywhere around the satellites and airplanes. Irrigation Sciences, 15, 35-44.
globe. Nemani R. and Running S. (1989) Estimation of regional
In 2010, we improved our surface resistance to Evapotranspiration from NDVI and
thermal-IR AVHRR data, Journal of Applied Meteorology, 28,
model with the integration
276-284.
of other satellite data (higher
MODIS website: http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/
spatial resolution), and checked
it with more crops and needs.
For more details please contact
as at info@agam-ag.com info@agam-ag.com
31

32. LTD.
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Israel site: Hawaian Gardens plot no.127b,llnd street Ltd. P.I.Las Salinas
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Beer Tuvia Industrial Zone 51838 Rahmath Nagar Colombo 05,Sri-Lanka. Cartagena km.43,400
Office +972-8-6727290, Fax: +972-8-6727291 Tiruneveli 627011, Antiguua Nave el
www.pelemix.com Tamil Nadu-India Jinete.
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E-mail: info-coco@pelemix.com Murcia, Spain

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35. Company Profiles Agriculture 2011
Adirom - Gavish
Creating Control
a Climate
for Growth Systems
www.adirom.co.il www.gavish.org.il
Adirom, since its establishment 20 years ago, has been GAVISH is a leading company in the field of Agricultural
supplying and installing climate-control solutions for Control Systems. The products are designed to enhance
the production of vegetables and flowers in greenhouses efficiency and productivity.
throughout the world. Much attention is given to the system’s reliability and
Adiram tailors its systems to create the most suitable durability .
environment for each type of crop, based on the local Special effort is invested in R&D, quality control and
topography and climate conditions. field tests.
Aiming to provide our costumers with the best solution, GAVISH exports its products to Europe, the Middle
we have developed special equipment and methods of East, Africa and a number of other countries including
implementation. These systems and installations are Australia, China, Mexico and Japan. Export sales
currently operating in greenhouse projects covering close currently represent 80% of all sales.
to 1000 hectares, spread across all five continents.
The company’s engineering team would be happy to MAIN PRODUCTS:
provide the best, cost-effective solution to accommodate Greenhouse and Open field Control Systems
your greenhouse climate-control requirements. A dedicated system for Greenhouses which controls two
areas:
Agam Irrigation Control – Considers operating time-table,
required quantity of water, existing water tensity in soil
Advanced
and other parameters. This data is used to decide when
and how much water to irrigate each plot. The irrigation
control also operates the fertilizing plan while checking
Agronomy EC, pH, and other elements involved.
Radio system for Pivot irrigation, The system consists:
www.agam-ag.com In the control room - Spirit controller (PLC) with the
software + Host + base & antena + PC computer. In the
As a dynamic, front-running company, Advanced field, attached to the pivot, situated the RTU Radio with
Agronomy offers its customers the most advanced the ability to operate up to 9 operations and to read up to
agricultural know-how and professional capabilities. 10 digital inputs. Each RTU is also can be a repeater in
Our extensive theoretical and hands-on knowledge, order to enlarge the the distance of the signal.
based on academic qualifications, cutting-edge Fertigation Machine – Gavish produces a Fertigation
knowledge, strong ties with research institutions, and Machine consisting of PVC, assembled on an aluminum
significant field experience (since 2000), enable us frame. There are 3 types of Fert. Machines:
provide innovative solutions for top quality performance. - Mixer, Bypass and Online machines
The company offers advanced GIS and remote sensing
- Climate Control
capabilities, combining leading computer developments
with our abundant knowledge and professional - Irrigation And Fertilization Turnkey Projects
experience.
AGAM projects are based on the precise definition of Dairy Farm Control Systems
the specific agricultural need, economic feasibility Feedtrol - The leading product in the Israeli cattle feeding
analysis, and creative solutions to ensure successful market. The purpose of this product is to eliminate food
results.From the planning of precision agricultural waste during the preparation of the cattle food.
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analysis, through project monitoring and follow-up, the feeding center. The center is based on a bridge
AGAM’s services are tailored to meet the specific needs scale, multiple mobile and static mixers, silos and a
of each agricultural endeavor. communication network.
35

36. Agriculture 2011
Company Profiles
Bermad Pump, surge and burst control
Solenoid, electronic and multi-step digital operation
Water Control Main modes of operation include electric and hydraulic
On/Off operation, as well as hydraulic pre-set for
Solutions modulation.
Precision Engineering - A BERMAD Commitment
Comprehensive fluid management systems are only as
www.bermad.com effective as their smallest component, each part making
a critical contribution to the whole. That’s why BERMAD
systems are based on control components that are
BERMAD – Water Control Solutions offers nothing less. designed, developed and manufactured in-house.
Founded in 1965, BERMAD knows the value of a single Dedication to precision engineering is expressed in
drop of water and how best to reap its full advantage. BERMAD’s ability to adapt solutions to any customer
With 9 subsidiaries throughout the world and operations need; to constantly integrate the latest, most reliable
in over 80 countries on 6 continents, BERMAD has a manufacturing techniques; and to provide every
formidable global presence. Its worldwide customer customer with the most comprehensive commercial
training facilities and parts distribution networks ensure and technical support in the world.
uninterrupted customer service. Today BERMAD serves BERMAD …a global leader in managing the world’s most
global customers in a wide range of fields. Bringing precious resource
together its expertise and know-how, leading-edge
technology and precision engineering, BERMAD provides
comprehensive customized solutions for the control and
management of water supply anywhere in the world. ICL
BERMAD - Provider of Solutions
Based on expertise that comes from years of hands- Fertilizers
on experience, BERMAD has developed state-of-the-
art control valves and related products, along with
comprehensive system solutions for a range of water
management needs. Its main areas of activity include: www.iclfertilizers.com
Waterworks - BERMAD offers management systems
ICL Fertilizers, one of the world’s largest fertilizer
for the supply and treatment of water and wastewater
companies, provides end-users and manufacturers on
covering a range of applications from high-rise
five continents with a wide range of high-performance
buildings, and whole municipalities, to comprehensive
solutions - all from a single source. With more than 50
water systems for industrial facilities, hydroelectric
years of experience in the field of fertilizer production
power stations, and private sector projects.
and marketing, ICLs growing global family of integrated
Irrigation – A comprehensive line of water control
businesses ensures that customers receive the highest
products provides system solutions for the full range quality, competitive pricing and responsive sales and
of agricultural irrigation applications including drip support.
irrigation, pivot systems, sprinklers, micro-jets and ICL Specialty Fertilizers produces superior-quality; cost-
greenhouse irrigation, as well as covering commercial effective specialty fertilizers that help growers achieve
and residential gardening irrigation needs. higher yields and better quality, in spite of scarce water
Fire Protection - Automatic control valves with a range and limited arable land.
of operation modes are the vital components in fire ICL Specialty Fertilizers serves sophisticated segments
protection systems for oil refineries, petro-chemical of the world’s agricultural market, including customers
plants and public buildings. who use drip irrigation and greenhouses.
Water Metering - BERMAD solutions are adapted to the Our fully-soluble fertilizers, with specific strength in P
needs of bulk and domestic water metering in supply and K, are produced from the rich natural resources of
systems, and include both remote water metering read- potash from the Dead Sea and phosphate rock mines in
out, and pre-payment systems. Israel. These products, some of which are balanced with
BERMAD products are suitable for most water and fluid supplementary macro and micro-nutrients, are ideal for
supply applications, meeting control needs such as: fertigation, hydroponics, foliar nutrition and as special
Pressure reducing and sustaining starters, as well as for horticulture, aquaculture, food
Flow and level control applications and other uses.
36

37. Company Profiles Agriculture 2011
Eshet Eilon Dorot
Industries Control
(2003) Ltd Valves Ltd.
www.eshet.co.il www.dorot.com
ESHET EILON INDUSTRIES (2003) LTD located at Founded in 1946, Dorot is a leading developer,
Kibbutz Eilon, Israel; proudly embraces Israel endless manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of
commitment to pursue world leading agricultural superior quality automatic control valves, air valves and
research, striving to provide the most advanced solutions mechanical valves. Dorot was a pioneer in developing
to the farmers around the world. hydraulic control valves and its series 300 valves became
ESHET EILON with 65 years of continuous engineering a leading product in waterworks control systems
worldwide.
endeavors and manufacturing demands from its
Dorot is a leader in Automatic Control Valves for the
customers has developed dependable experience to Irrigation Market including: Drip Irrigation, Greenhouses,
carry out successfully the most demanding and finest Turf and Landscape.
touch fresh produce packing systems. Our innovative state of the art products are made of
Our “turn key” projects totally customized and tailored a variety of materials such as: Cast Iron, Ductile Iron,
to best suit the packinghouse specific needs, location, Steel, Stainless Steel, Bronze, Polyamide and uPVC.
structure, unique conditions and budget. ESHET EILON Dorot’s “GAL” valves became an industry standard.
is leading the world industry in design and manufacture
the complete line of equipment in Stainless Steel,
intending to provide our customers the best equipment
worth value, beside sanitary and durability benefits.
Our complete packing systems typically include fruit Genesis
dumping systems, advanced sanitation systems
enhanced with hot water or ozonated water, efficient
Seeds Ltd,
hot-cold air dryers for perfect water removal and long
produce shelf life expectancy, all together out coming to
the most detectable benefit, provided by our accurate,
medium and high speed, electronic sizers which with it’s www.genesisseeds.com
optional optic systems upgrade, can sort out the perfect Genesis Seeds Ltd, privately owned, is one of the world’s
fruit for the most demanding market. largest producers of Certified Organic Vegetable, Herb
Being farmers and packers ourselves, ESHET EILON’s and Flower Seed Since 1994. The company is based
principals keep the goal of building high standards in Israel (in the ‘High Negev’), where all research, and
equipment and steel very practical, easy to use at the most production takes place. All Genesis Seed products
economical solution. After sale service and technical are grown only in Israel and the company operates
support, provided by our team of trained engineers, according to ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 endorsement
adds to our client’s peace of mind and confidence. of the Israeli Standards Institute. Genesis Seeds Sells
Our peripherical solutions includes intelligent conveying it’s own production only to seed companies, wholesales
systems, smartly operated with electronic eyes and and distributors in North America, West Europe, Israel
loading motion sensors, which might help to save energy and other countries world wide. In seeking the Best
and avoid flow conflict on the items moving process. Our quality, we focus on Organic Production under strict
systems are being installed in the most advanced and agro–technical methods while always looking for the
demanding projects, such as military logistics facilities, best Genetics. Innovating, Breeding and Keeping a full
food industry, pharmaceutical product management assortment of Flowers, Herbs and Vegetables in order to
and most commonly packing houses for palletizing or fulfill and serve the Organic and Conventional markets”
cooling processes.
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